Pages - Menu

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Looking ahead at the new student visa regime (October 2010)

Since our posting below that was sent out in October, the new student visa regime has been introduced. We had a seminar focusing on this new regime in November. See our later postings for further updates on the new regime! Below is a preview of what was coming up ...

NON EEA STUDENTS AND THE NEW REGIME

Having previously acted in an advisory capacity to a student body representing international students in the State, we gained a general overview of the industry set up to attract non-EEA students to study in Ireland.It is clear that international students generate a huge income and are welcomed to support tourism and to contribute to a diverse culture in Ireland.The Interdepartmental Committee set up by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform acknowledge the contribution of such students to the State in its booklet concerning the new policies applicable to such students due to come into force in January 2011.

We are currently researching the new regulations in greater detail however such policies generally aim to establish a rule that non –EEA student permission will be limited to 7 years in total.There are exceptions and many of the changes will depend on whether a person has been residing in the State as a student for 3 years or 7 years.

We hope to gain more information about the new policies particularly in relation to the 6-month period for ‘timed out’ students.Watch this space!!

As always, please send us your comments and opinions.If there are any issues that you wish us to comment on please do not hesitate in contacting us.